DEFENCE FOR CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL (DCI) - Belgium | Practical Guide Monitoring involves the visit to an establishment that results in an oral and written report of the visit; the formulation of recommendations to the authorities concerned and to other actors involved in the protection of children deprived of liberty at the national and international level; and the follow up regarding the implementation of these recommendations. The present Guide will refer to the term “monitors” when it comes to describe the people in charge of the monitoring visits of places of deprivation of liberty. Exclusions: The following types of visits or inspections are not considered as external independent monitoring body for the purpose of this Guide: ʺʺ Informal scrutiny by civil society When the role of the civil society is limited to contact between the community and the place of deprivation of liberty, for example, where cultural, religious or educational groups or individuals work inside the facilities. ʺʺ Internal administrative inspections by government institutions Where the role of administrative bodies is limited to controlling the compliance of staff and procedures with national standards, and administrative Guidelines and regulations. Although their role is very important especially in terms of accountability, it rarely includes a broader approach involving issues such as the dignity and fundamental rights of children deprived of their liberty. Internal inspections and external monitoring must co-exist and develop communication channels creating a strong and complementary networking system of control in places of deprivation of liberty. See – Section 3.5. – p.40 Complaint Mechanisms Complaint mechanisms include procedure / processes for requests and / or complaints made by children deprived of their liberty regarding the conditions, treatment and care provided in this context. They may be addressed to internal bodies responsible for the institution depriving children of their liberty as well as to external independent bodies (examples: Ombudspersons for children, National Human Rights Institutions, independent monitoring bodies, judicial bodies, civil society organisations or others). These mechanisms may be individual or collective, informal (for example: oral requests or mediation) or formal (through a written complaint form and procedure); oral (for example: request to staff) or written (for example: letter addressed to the ombudsman of children). See – Section 6. – p.147 16